What should I Bring to a Job interview?
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Are you gearing up for a job interview and feeling the pressure to impress? Fear not! With the right tools at your disposal, you can ace your next interview with confidence and ease. In this article, we will explore 6 essential job interview items you must have in your arsenal to ensure a successful interview experience. From a copy of your resume to a professional-looking bag, these tools will help you navigate the interview process seamlessly. So, let’s dive in and discover how these must-have job interview items can elevate your interview game!
Copy of Your Resume
Having a copy of your resume is crucial for any job interview. It serves as a reference point for both you and the interviewer to discuss your work experience, skills, and qualifications. Being able to pull out your resume and highlight key points quickly can demonstrate your preparedness and attention to detail. Plus, having a physical copy shows that you are organized and proactive in your job search. So, make sure to bring a neatly printed version of your resume to your next interview to impress your potential employer. And now, let’s move on to the importance of carrying a pen and notebook.
Pen and Notebook
One of my personal favourites, but going old school has worked for me numerous times. Carrying a pen and notebook as one of your job interview items can make a significant difference in how you come across to the interviewer. Having these items on hand shows that you are ready to take notes, ask questions, and absorb important information during the interview.
Writing down key points can help you remember details about the company, specific job requirements, and any follow-up steps you need to take. It also demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail, which are highly valued qualities in any job candidate. So, be sure to have a pen and notebook with you to make the most of your job interview experience.
Professional Attire
Professional Attire is also a key component of making a positive first impression in a job interview. Dressing professionally shows that you take the opportunity seriously and respect the company’s culture. Make sure your clothing is clean, pressed, and appropriate for the position you are interviewing for. Remember that it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. By presenting yourself in a polished and professional manner, you convey confidence and a strong work ethic.
Now, let’s move on to the next essential job interview item for a successful interview: preparing a list of questions to ask the interviewer.
List of Questions
Before heading into your job interview, it’s essential to come prepared with a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. These can either be printed off or written in your notebook. This not only shows your genuine interest in the position but also allows you to gather valuable information about the company and the role. Consider asking about the company culture, opportunities for growth, day-to-day responsibilities, and what success looks like in the role. Remember, interviews are a two-way street, and asking insightful questions can help you determine if the company is the right fit for you. Some example questions you may expect:
- Develop thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the company, team, and role. This shows your interest and helps you gather important information.
- I always ask an interviewer who is new to the company “What attracted you to the company”? For an interviewer who has been with the company a long time “What keeps you here”?.
- Avoid questions about salary and benefits in the initial interview unless the interviewer brings them up, but be prepared regardless.
Check out this article from HBR on some more great questions to ask at a job interview– 38 Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview
Breath Mints
Having a pack of breath mints on hand can be a lifesaver before a job interview. Freshening up your breath before meeting your potential employer can help you feel more confident and make a positive impression. After ensuring you have your list of questions ready to go, pop a breath mint to ensure you’re feeling and smelling your best before diving into the interview.
I would expand on this slightly to include ensuring your personal hygiene as a whole is good and you have deodorant/aftershave/perfume to smell your best. Interviews can be stressful so make sure you don’t sweat too much and the deodorant can help with this. Also, be careful with your shirt selection so it doesn’t show up under arm sweat patches.
Professional Looking Bag
When heading to a job interview, the importance of a professional-looking bag cannot be overstated. Your bag is not only a practical tool for carrying essential items like copies of your resume, a notebook, and a pen, but it also serves as a reflection of your professionalism and attention to detail. Opt for a bag that is sleek, clean, and professional in appearance, such as a classic tote, laptop bag, leather satchel or structured briefcase. Avoid bags that are overly flashy or worn out, as they might distract from your overall presentation.
My go-to, is a black laptop bag (below) from Dicota (shoulder strap removed), with a small side pocket for a notebook and pen. There is a main section that can safely carry a copy of my resume and personal laptop which I always take just in case.
A well-chosen bag can complement your outfit and convey a sense of organization and preparedness to your potential employer. Make sure your bag is organized and tidy inside, with all necessary documents (e.g. resume and interview questions) easily accessible. Keeping your bag well-maintained and free of clutter shows that you are detail-oriented and take pride in your appearance.
As you head into your job interview with your professional-looking bag in hand, you’ll exude confidence enabling you to put your best foot forward with this essential job interview item. With all your essential items neatly tucked away, you can focus on showcasing your skills and qualifications to the interviewer. Remember, every little detail counts in a job interview, and your choice of bag is no exception. So, make sure to select a bag (with some examples you can purchase from Amazon below) that you feel projects professionalism and sets you up for a successful job hunting and interview experience.
These Job Interview Items are a must
Being prepared with the right items for a job interview can greatly impact your success. Remember to bring your resume, pen and notebook, professional attire, a list of questions, breath mints, and a professional-looking bag to your next interview. By having these essential job interview items on hand, you can navigate your interview with ease and confidence. So, take charge of your future and make sure you have these must-have items ready for your next opportunity. After all, as Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Check out my other blog post on 10 of the Best Job Interview Tips to Land Your Dream Job to further help you on your job search.
What are your essential job interview items?
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